Where were you at in your music career when you had your first child? Was there much discussion about how that life choice would affect your career within the music/entertainment industry?

I had my daughter in March of 2020, so when I went on Mat leave, the world and music industry shut down simultaneously. When I came back in March 2021, it was like nothing had happened, and I just slipped back into the world unnoticed. I had a very different experience than most people because of this and also shortly after I had returned to work, I got a new position at Paquin Entertainment Group, so the whole thing was actually quite kismet. I will say – There was not much discussion about how having a child would impact my career within the music industry. I knew there would be certain constraints if not solely because I couldn’t drop everything after ‘business hours’ and attend shows, or conferences without finagling schedules and childcare between my husband and I. I like to warn everyone that the hardest part of having a kid, is the first year back at work after maternity leave. Your brain feels like pudding, and your body feels 1000 years old. I certainly had a crisis of confidence that first year after returning to work. 

What changed for you when you became a parent in this industry? (or faced when your children were younger if relevant)?  

What is one change (big or small) within the industry that could make a positive impact for working parents?

FLEXIBILITY! I say all the time, millennial parents don’t need a raise, they need flexibility (I mean- also, a raise!) Working from home when your kid is sick, or has an in service day, or leaving early to do school pickup and finishing the work day at home. The crux of this being flexibility without shame, or the anxiety that you won’t be taken seriously by your peers if you have other priorities besides work. I feel lucky that PAA encourages a healthy work/life balance and that parents/caretakers get the flexibility they need to excel. 

Finish this sentence: “Being a parent in music is…” 

How do you find support and community with other working parents in or out of the music industry?

Community is the crucial word. You always hear the expression ‘it takes a village’ and then have all these moms walking around going ‘where is my village’? But people don’t appear out of the woodwork. Community has to be created by reaching out and offering help to friends who need it, whether they’re parents or not. And when you reach out and create safety for people, it will be returned to you in spades. Some of my biggest supporters throughout parenthood are my ‘cool aunties/uncle’ friends (shoutout to Uncle Sarah!) who don’t have their own kids but have the time and space to hang out with mine when I need a ‘mental health hour or two’. Personally, I’m fortunate to have an equal partner at home in my husband, and his big loving family, but not everyone has that, and creating your own community of people you love and trust is vital.

What’s one specific example of an organization/venue/company doing something great to help support working parents?

My friend Karen Hare, and artist and mom, who runs Lifes Short Gallery in Winnipeg just closed a participatory exhibition focused in care.. The understone being: “Parenting artists are not accommodated as an exception, but recognized as central contributors to cultural production. The gallery becomes a space where care is visible, time is flexible, and participation is valued.” I think artists like Karen, using the lens of motherhood to make art is inspiring to working parents. While it may not offer them concrete support, it makes the work and sometimes tedium of parenting more visible and moves the cultural needle (Maybe?)

What could a music event (festival, conference, etc.), do or provide to make it easier for you to participate?

Licensed childcare providers on site who can provide a ‘daycare service’ for a few hours while you attend panels/shows would be above and beyond, or companies paying for childcare if you’re required at an event that’s after hours.

What advice would you give to someone in music who’s thinking about becoming a parent? 

Can you shout out another music mama doing great things?

YES! Tao-Ming Lau is an agent out of PAA’s Toronto office with an amazing roster of clients who absolutely excels at her work as an agent. She is thoughtful and empathetic and its inspiring to know her!